The Se Cathedral was built to commemorate the victory of Afonso Albuquerque, over the Sultan of Bijapur, Adil Shah.
The war was won on the feast of St. Catherine of Alexandria; hence the Cathedral was dedicated to her.
The Se Cathedral is built in the Portuguese-Manueline style. It combines elements of Late Gothic architecture with the Spanish style, Flemish architecture and Italian Urban design. The exterior of this great cathedral is of the Tuscan order of architecture, notable for its plainness and simplicity.
The construction of Se Cathedral in Goa started in 1562 and ended in 1652.
The construction began during the reign of King Dom Sebastiao, under the administration of the Archbishops of Goa and the ensuing rulers were charged with completing it using the monies from the Royal Treasury.It was substantially completed by 1619 but the main altars were not erected until 1652.
The interior architecture is Corinthian. The main altar is dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria.
Pope Pius the XII conferred upon this shrine the Golden Rose, which is a gold ornament, as a token of respect and affection. The ornament has since been placed on the tomb of St. Francis Xavier in the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
The Se cathedral is termed as the Arch Bishop’s church; the Arch Bishop of Goa and Daman Archdiocese.The Arch Bishop performs the Eucharistic celebration during Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, Christmas and New Year.
Pics Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GOGOANOW.COM
